Intrauterine bisphenol A exposure leads to stimulatory effects on Sertoli cell number in rats

Using the optical disector for quantifying cell numbers, we investigated whether oral treatment of rats on days 6-21 of gestation with the weakly estrogenic bisphenol A (BPA, 0.1 or 50 mg/kg) or the highly estrogenic ethinyl estradiol (EE, 0.02 mg/kg) alters testicular histology, in those offspring 9-12 month of age. Since production of male germ cells depends on Sertoli cell number, possible changes in that parameter were investigated using unbiased stereology. Spermatogenesis was qualitatively normal in all groups. BPA increases Sertoli cell number per organ but not when expressed as per gram testis. EE did not affect cell number per organ but did affect numbers on a per gram testis basis due to a lowered testis weight. In contrast to the lowering of Sertoli cell numbers that might have been expected according to the estrogen hypothesis, intrauterine administration of these xenoestrogens in fact resulted in minor increases in Sertoli cell numbers and had no qualitative effect on spermatogenesis.     

Trials for development of once-a-month injectable, hormonal male contraceptive using dienogest plus testosterone undecanoate: dose standardization, efficacy and reversibility studies in rats

Background

The study was conducted to test the potential of using dienogest (DNG) plus testosterone undecanoate (TU) in rats for development of a once-a-month injectable male hormonal contraceptive.

Study Design

Dose selection studies were initiated with administration of DNG in three different doses of 20, 30 and 40 mg/kg body weight (bw) per week plus TU 25 mg/kg bw once in every 6 weeks. Status of spermatogenesis and sperm count in epididymis was evaluated. The frequency of DNG intervention was later extended to every 2- and 4-week intervals. Mating studies, toxicity and reversibility of spermatogenesis following stoppage of treatment were carried out with DNG 40 mg/kg bw at 4-week intervals.

Results

Complete arrest of spermatogenesis was observed after 60 days of treatment at all doses of DNG (20, 30 and 40 mg/kg bw per week)+TU. However, weights of testis and accessory sex organs (epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle) declined significantly 60 days post treatment compared to vehicle-treated controls. Epididymis in the treated animals was completely devoid of sperm. When the frequency of DNG injection (20 mg/kg bw) was extended to once every 15 days, a few immotile and decapitated sperm were observed in the epididymis. With TU treatment unchanged, animals receiving DNG (40 mg/kg bw) once either every 2- or 4-week intervals demonstrated good and uniform arrest of spermatogenesis. DNG 40 mg/kg per 4 weeks+TU also demonstrated a significant rise in germ cell apoptosis in the seminiferous epithelium. There was no significant increase in the serum high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein levels at the end of 120 days of treatment. Following withdrawal of treatment after 60 or 120 days, qualitative restoration of spermatogenesis was rapid in the former compared to the latter.

Conclusion

Dienogest plus TU has the potential for development as a monthly injectable showing reversible hormonal male contraception with good efficacy.     

Three-Generation Study of Male Rats Gestationally Exposed to High Butterfat and Bisphenol A: Impaired Spermatogenesis,Penetrance with Reduced Severity

Gestational high butterfat (HFB) and/or endocrine disruptor exposure was previously found to disrupt spermatogenesis in adulthood. This study addresses the data gap in our knowledge regarding transgenerational transmission of the disruptive interaction between a high-fat diet and endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA). F0 generation Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing butterfat (10 kcal%) and high in butterfat (39 kcal%, HFB) with or without BPA (25 µg/kg body weight/day) during mating and pregnancy. Gestationally exposed F1-generation offspring from different litters were mated to produce F2 offspring, and similarly, F2-generation animals produced F3-generation offspring. One group of F3 male offspring was administered either testosterone plus estradiol-17β (T + E2) or sham via capsule implants from postnatal days 70 to 210. Another group was naturally aged to 18 months. Combination diets of HFB + BPA in F0 dams, but not single exposure to either, disrupted spermatogenesis in F3-generation adult males in both the T + E2-implanted group and the naturally aged group. CYP19A1 localization to the acrosome and estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) localization to the nucleus were associated with impaired spermatogenesis. Finally, expression of methyl-CpG-binding domain-3 (MBD3) was consistently decreased in the HFB and HFB + BPA exposed F1 and F3 testes, suggesting an epigenetic component to this inheritance. However, the severe atrophy within testes present in F1 males was absent in F3 males. In conclusion, the HFB + BPA group demonstrated transgenerational inheritance of the impaired spermatogenesis phenotype, but severity was reduced in the F3 generation.     

Cistanches herba induces testis cytotoxicity in male mice

We investigated the effects of Cistanches herba (CH) on the male reproductive system in mice, assessing CREM gene expression and spermatogenesis. Our results demonstrate that CH treatment lead to a significant decrease in sperm count dose-dependently, 298.3 ± 48.9 vs. 296.6 ± 102.4 (250 mg/kg), 236.7 ± 75.1 (500 mg/kg), 223.0 ± 48.7 × 10⁶ (1000 mg/kg), respectively. Additionally, serum testosterone levels decreased following CH treatment to as low as ~57% compared with the vehicle-treated group. CREM gene expression was also down-regulated following CH treatment and histological examination of the testicular seminiferous tubules showed severe damage on CH treatment. These results suggest that CH induces cytotoxicity in the male reproductive system, through the inhibition of spermatogenesis, testicular damage, and limited hormonal function.     

Effect of Sexual Maturity on Testicular Injury Subsequent to Procarbazine Administration in Rats

The present study examined the effect of age on various aspects of Leydig cell and Sertoli cell function in Sprague-Dawley rats administered procarbazine. Procarbazine was administered intraperitoneally to Sprague-Dawley rats aged 14, 24, and 60 days in 3 weekly injections of 200 mg/kg. Animals were sacrificed 1 week after the last injection. Severe impairment of spermatogenesis was evident in all animals. Sertoli cell function, as assessed by total testicular ABP content, was not significantly different between procarbazine-treated animals and controls in any age group. On the other hand, procarbazine administration resulted in a 60% reduction in total intratesticular testosterone content in the 14-day-old rats but not in the 24- or 60-day-old animals. Serum testosterone was significantly reduced by 50% in the group of 14-day-old animals but not in the other age groups. Serum LH values were not significantly changed from control levels in any age group. Testicular content of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cn were unaltered by procarbazine administration in any age group. Since serum LH and testicular cation content were not affected by procarbazine treatment, the significant decreases in serum and testicular testosterone in 14-day-old animals after procarbazine administration may indicate a direct age-dependent effect of procarbazine on Leydig cell function.     

Testicular damage induced by megadoses of pyridoxine

Pyridoxine hydrochloride, 125 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg or 1,000 mg/kg, daily, was intraperitoneally injected into Wistar male rats and its effects on weights and mature spermatid or sperm counts in the testis and the epididymis were investigated. After six weeks administration, weights of the testis and the epididymis in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg groups dramatically decreased and weights of the epididymis in the 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg groups also decreased significantly. Mature spermatid counts in the testis and sperm counts in the epididymis decreased in the 500 mg/kg and 1,000 mg/kg groups, and sperm counts in the tail plus body of the epididymis also decreased in the 250 mg/kg group. From these results, it was elucidated that megadoses of pyridoxine induced testicular damage in rats.     

双酚A与壬基酚混合染毒对小鼠生精功能的影响

目的　研究双酚A (BPA)与壬基酚 (NP)混合染毒对小鼠生精功能的影响。方法　选择健康性成熟的雄性昆明种小鼠 6 0只 ,按随机区组分为阴性对照组、阳性对照组 (环磷酰胺 ,CP)和低剂量组(82mg/kgBPA+5 0mg/kgNP)、中剂量组 (1 6 3mg/kgBPA +1 0 0mg/kgNP)和高剂量组 (32 5mg/kgBPA+2 0 0mg/kgNP) ,连续灌胃染毒 5d ,分别于首次染毒后第 1 4天和第 35天 ,每组随机处死 5只小鼠 ,检测睾丸、附睾、精囊腺重量和脏器系数、精子数、精子活动度、活精率、精子畸形率和初级精母细胞染色体畸变率。结果　精子数、直线运动精子数和活精率随染毒剂量增加而减少 ,静止不动精子数、精子畸形率和初级精母细胞染色体畸变率均随染毒剂量增加而升高。中、高剂量组的上述结果与阴性对照组比较 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 0 5 ,P <0 0 1 ) ,均存在明确的剂量 -反应关系 ,相关系数依次为 :- 0 987,- 0 895 ,- 0 981 ,0 981 ,0 95 8和 0 96 2 (均P <0 0 5 )。结论　BPA、NP及其代谢产物能损伤小鼠的生精功能 ,由于BPA、NP在环境中往往共存 ,所以在评价BPA、NP生殖功能的损伤作用时 ,必须考虑两化学物间的相互作用。     

环境内分泌干扰物DBP与BPA联合染毒对雄性大鼠生殖功能的影响简

目的研究环境内分泌干扰物邻苯二甲酸二丁酯（DBP）及双酚A（BPA）长期联合作用对雄性机体生殖功能的影响。方法将32只SD雄性大鼠按随机区组法分为4组,分别为溶剂对照组（予玉米油）、DBP染毒组（1．0g／kg）、BPA染毒组（0．2g／kg）、DBP＋BPA染毒组（1．0g／kgDBP、0．2g／kgBPA）,经口灌胃染毒,隔日1次,90d后麻醉处死,采集睾丸、附睾,称重并计算脏器系数,光镜下观察精子形态和精子计数,采集心脏血液应用直接化学发光法检测血清中睾酮（T）及雌二醇（E2）的分泌水平。结果DBP＋BPA染毒组睾丸、附睾重量及其脏器系数均降低,与溶剂对照组、DBP染毒组比较,差异具有统计学意义（P〈O．05）。精子形态学检查,染毒组畸形类型以无头、颈扭转、尾折叠、波状尾等为主。与溶剂对照组相比,DBF4-BPA染毒组精子计数显著降低且畸形率明显升高（P〈0．05或0．01）,BPA染毒组仅精子畸形率明显升高（P〈0．05）。与溶剂对照组、DBP染毒组、BPA染毒组比较,DBP＋BPA染毒组大鼠血清中T浓度明显下降（P〈0．05或0．01）,E2浓度明显升高（P〈0．05或0．01）,BPA染毒组大鼠血清中E2水平升高,与溶剂对照组、DBP染毒组相比,差异具有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。结论在单独暴露未全出现阳性结果的剂量下,DBP和BPA长期联合染毒,对雄性大鼠生殖功能的损害表现为协同效应。     

Oral exposure to low-dose bisphenol A aggravates testosterone-induced benign hyperplasia prostate in rats

The declining level of androgen during aging, associated with an inclining level of estrogen, has been hypothesized to be important in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Within physiologic range, increasing estrogen levels can stimulate prostate to develop and permanently increase prostate size. As an estrogenic endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA) might be stimulatory to prostate development. We further hypothesized that low dose BPA could induce hyperplasia prostate to proliferate and aggravate the symptom of BPH in male SD rats. BPH was induced by testosterone and then treated with BPA (10, 30, or 90 μg/kg, i.g., daily), 17β-estradiol (E(2); 50.0 μg/kg, s.c., daily), or vehicle for 4 weeks. We found that weight and volume in rats treated with low dose BPA (10 μg/kg) was higher than that of model control, and BPA significantly increased the relative weight of prostate (p < 0.01). For prostate lobes, BPA 10 μg/kg/day significantly increased relative weight of ventral prostate (VP), weight and relative weight of dorsolateral prostate (DLP) (p < 0.05). And histopathology results showed that height of epithelial cell (HEC) of VP and DLP in BPA group were significantly higher than that of model control (p < 0.01). BPA could also decrease testosterone level and increase prostate-specific antigen level. E(2) treatment also showed an obvious effect on relative weight of VP and DLP, HEC, and hormone levels. We concluded that environment exposure to low dose of BPA may induce prostate to proliferate and aggravate testosterone-induced benign hyperplasia prostate in rats.     

CONTROL OF SPERMATOGENESIS IN PRIMATE AND PROSPECT OF MALE CONTRACEPTION

The present review is a summary of mechanisms of spermatogenesis in primates with emphasis on anti-spermatogenesis of testosterone (T), gossypol, and “testicular heat stress” for development of male contraception. Both FSH and testosterone stimulate all phases of spermatogenesis. FSH is capable of amplifying the population of the differentiated spermatogonia (B1, B2, B3 and B4) and controls the spermatogonia production rate, and, in synergy with testosterone, regulating spermatogenesis in adult monkeys. Pituitary FSH beta gene expression is governed by a feedback of Beta inhibin, which is a major component of the testicular negative feedback signals. Beta inhibin secreted by Sertoli cells is in turn inhibited by testosterone from Leydig cells under the control of LH. Disturbance of the normal interaction of pituitary FSH with Sertoli cell Beta inhibin is responsible for azoospermia or oligozoospermia induced by exogenous T. Three possible regimens of T, gossypol and “heat stress” have been suggested for male contraception. They act on different sites and stages of spermatogenesis in testis or sperm activity in epididymis. Apoptosis induced by testosterone occurs mainly at stages VII–VIII of spermatogenesis while that by testicular “heat stress” mostly occurs at stages I–IV and X–XII. Low dose of gossypol mainly influences the sperm activity in the epididymis although it also acts on testicular spermatids.     

Quinalphos-induced suppression of spermatogenesis, plasma gonadotrophins, testicular testosterone production, and secretion in adult rats.

Quinalphos (O,O-diethyl-O-[quinoxalinyl-(2)-thionophosphate]) is a well-known organophosphorus insecticide used extensively in agriculture that adversely interferes with the activity of testicular steroidogenic enzymes in rats. To investigate its effects on spermatogenesis, the other function of testes, quantitative evaluation of different varieties of germ cells at stage VII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, namely, type A spermatogonia (ASg), preleptotene spermatocytes (pLSc), midpachytene spermatcytes (mPSc), and step 7 spermatids (7Sd), along with the radioimmunoassay of plasma FSH, LH, testosterone, and testicular testosterone, were performed in Wistar rats following treatment with quinalphos (250 micrograms/kg, ip) for approximately one (13 days) and two cycles (26 days) of the seminiferous epithilium. Massive degeneration of all varieties of germ cells at stage VII, remarkable reduction in the sperm count, and significant reductions in plasma concentrations of FSH and testosterone, along with testicular testosterone, were observed after quinalphos treatment. Significant reduction in the plasma concentration of LH was observed only after treatment for two cycles. Administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin for 26 days in rats injected with quinalphos partially prevented the degeneration of germ cells and increased testosterone production. It is suggested that quinalphos may have a suppressive influence on gonadotrophin release but its direct detrimental action at the level of the testes may also be responsible for the observed changes in spermatogenesis and in testicular testosterone production in rats.     

Prevention of cadmium-induced sterility by zinc in the male rat

The potential of zinc (Zn) to antagonize the adverse effects of cadmium (Cd) on the male reproductive processes was studied. A significant reduction in the weights of the testis and epididymis, the testicular sperm population and oligospermia to azoospermia in the epididymis was recorded in rats treated once s.c. with 2 mg/kg Cd and sacrificed 20 days later. This was accompanied by a significantly reduced serum T and a loss of fertility. Administration of a single s.c. injection of Zn (80 mg/kg) did not alter significantly any of the reproductive parameters studied. On the other hand, Zn given $\text{1}\text{2}$ to 2 h after Cd resulted in partial recovery. Organ weights and sperm population in these groups were maintained and the fertility rate was 67% and 50% at 5 and 20 days as compared to 67% and 0% at corresponding period in Cd-exposed males. The protective effect diminished when Zn was given more than 2 h after Cd exposure. The most effective regimen of Zn therapy was an administration of a total dose of 80 mg/kg Zn given in 3 injections (15 mg/kg before, 50 mg/kg at the time and 15 mg/kg 2 h after Cd). The results provide evidence that Zn, if given before or within 2 h of Cd exposure, is capable of at least partially reversing its deleterious effects on spermatogenesis, steroidogenesis and fertility of the male rat.     

三羟异黄酮对断乳后大鼠生殖发育的影响

目的研究三羟异黄酮对断乳大鼠生殖发育的影响。方法将3周龄幼鼠48只按体重随机分为3组,雌雄各8只,口饲给予含不同剂量三羟异黄酮的基础饲料[对照组0mg/(kg.d),中剂量组20mg/(kg.d),高剂量组100mg/(kg.d)],待各组大鼠发育至9周龄时,测雌鼠血清雌二醇水平,雄鼠血清睾酮水平;待各组大鼠发育至13周龄时,分离雌鼠子宫、卵巢,雄鼠睾丸进行病理检查,用Western blotting方法测定雌激素受体(ER)的表达水平。结果与对照组相比,9周龄时雌鼠血清雌二醇水平降低,雄鼠血清睾酮水平升高;13周龄时,雌鼠体重和摄食量下降,阴道开放提前,生殖器与直肠间距(AGD)减小,卵巢称重减少。病理切片显示雌鼠子宫腔扩大,子宫扩张,血清雌二醇水平有所降低,子宫雌激素受体ER表达量降低;雄鼠摄食量10周龄左右有所升高,血清睾酮水平升高,但体重无明显升高,睾丸下降时间未见提前,睾丸称重无差别,病理切片未见异常。结论三羟异黄酮对断乳后大鼠的生殖指标影响较大,其中对雌性大鼠的影响大于雄性大鼠,但是对大鼠体重和摄食量的影响主要在其成年后,并且此种影响与其激素水平和受体表达有关。     

Reversible Changes in the Antifertility Induced by Aegle marmelos in Male Albino Rats

To study the effects of Aegle marmelos on the testicular reproductive system, a 50% ethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos leaves (AMLEt) was fed orally to male albino rats at the dose levels of 200 and 300?mg/kg body wt./day for 60 days. Recovery was assessed for an additional 120 days. Oral administration of AMLEt did not cause body weight loss. The motility and sperm concentration were significantly reduced along with complete inhibition of fertility at a dose of 300?mg/kg. The level of serum testosterone also declined and spermatogenesis was impaired. The number of normal tubules and the height of epithelial cells of the caput and cauda were reduced significantly. The cross sectional surface area of Sertoli cells and mature Leydig cells was reduced along with a dose dependent reduction of preleptotene and pachytene spermatocytes. Thus the antifertility effects of Aegle marmelos seemed to be mediated by disturbances in structure and function in testicular somatic cells including Leydig and Sertoli cells resulting in an alteration in physio-morphological events of spermatogenesis. However, complete recovery was observed after a 120 day withdrawal.     

Anti-apoptotic effects of curcumin on cadmium-induced apoptosis in rat testes

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the environmental pollutants affecting various tissues and organs including testis. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-apoptotic effects of curcumin (Cur) on Cd-induced apoptosis in rat testes. The rats were randomly allotted into one of three experimental groups: control, Cd treated and Cd treated with Cur; each group contained 10 animals. The control group received 2 ml/day of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). To induce toxicity, Cd (1 mg/kg body weight) was dissolved in normal saline and subcutaneously injected into rats for 4 weeks. The rats in Cur-treated group was given a daily dose of 100 mg/kg of Cur for 4 weeks. To date, no examinations of the anti-apoptotic properties of Cur on Cd-induced apoptosis in rat testes have been reported. The mean seminiferous tubule diameter, mean testicular biopsy score values and serum testosterone levels were significantly decreased in Cd-treated groups were compared to the control group. Furthermore, the Cur-treated animals showed an improved histological appearance and serum testosterone levels in Cd-treated group. Our data indicate a significant reduction in the activity of in situ identification of apoptosis using terminal dUTP nick end-labeling in testis tissues of the Cd-treated group with Cur therapy. The present study showed that Cur treatment protected testes against toxic effects of Cd. We believe that further preclinical research into the utility of Cur may indicate its usefulness as a potential treatment on the spermatogenesis after testicular injury caused by Cd-treated rats.     

Decrease in sperm number after treatment of rats with Austroplenckia populnea

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a hexanic extract (HE) made from leaves of A. populnea collected in Botucatu, State of S?o Paulo, and Nova Lima, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, at a range of doses during 7 and 14 days, on the male reproductive system of rats. The treatment did not affect the body weight, nor absolute organ weight. The serum testosterone levels, testicular sperm head counts, daily sperm production, and sperm morphology did not differ from that of the control groups. The spermatogenesis and the morphometric parameters of cauda epididymidis were not affected by the treatment. Cauda epididymis sperm number was significantly reduced in the group that received HE of Nova Lima, 1 g/kg/day, during 14 days, from the control group.     

Effects of Pipecolinomethylhydroxyindane on Testicular and Adrenocortical Function in Rats

Mature and young adult rats were treated with a single dose of 115 mg and 50 mg of pipecolinomethylhydroxyindane (PMHI) maleate per kg of body weight. Large intraperitoneal doses were toxic in mature rats and the growth of younger animals were retarded by the lower subcutaneous dose. In both instances, PMHI caused a rapid reduction in testis weight with arrested spermatogenesis. Atrophic changes to the ventral prostrate and the lowering of blood testosterone levels suggests that the actions of PMHI are not strictly confined to the seminiferous tubules. This was further substantiated by the demonstration of direct inhibition by PMHI of testicular androgenesis in vitro. The actions of PMHI on steroidogenesis may be readily reversible and, compared to tubular actions, are of a minor nature. There were no clear-cut adrenocortical responses to PMHI administration but there was some depression of adrenal gland weight, plasma corticosterone, and aldosterone.     

Vitamin E does not modulate plasma lipid profile or C-reactive protein despite suppressing oxidative stress in orchiectomized rats

Vitamin E is known to improve antioxidant status and to prevent lipoprotein oxidation. However, the effect of vitamin E on other cardiovascular risk factors, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile status, in orchiectomized rats is unknown. In the present study, 32 1-year-old male rats were randomized into two groups: a sham-control group (n = 8) and an orchiectomized group (n = 24). The orchiectomized group was divided into three groups of eight and assigned to one of the following treatments: orchiectomy (ORX), ORX + vitamin E mixture (65.6 mg/kg) diet, or ORX + vitamin E mixture (656 mg/kg) diet. For 120 days all four groups consumed a basal AIN-93M diet, while the vitamin E groups ate diets containing an additional vitamin E mixture. Four months after the study began, all the rats were killed, the blood was collected, and the plasma was assayed for antioxidant status, CRP, lipid profile, and indices of peroxidation. ORX decreased (P < .05) the plasma antioxidant status, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and CRP level and increased (P < .05) the plasma malondialdeyde, nitrite, and lipid profile compared with that of the sham-control group. In contrast to the ORX group, supplementation with vitamin E mixture increased (P < .05) plasma antioxidant status and dose-dependently increased (P < .05) SOD activity, while the vitamin E decreased (P < .05) plasma malondialdeyde and nitrite. The vitamin E mixture had no effect on CRP or on lipid profiles when compared to the orchiectomized rats. In conclusion, vitamin E appears to reduce oxidative stress without modulating lipid profile or inflammatory response.     

Quail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coturnix japonica</Emphasis>) egg yolk bioactive components attenuate streptozotocin-induced testicular damage and oxidative stress in diabetic rats

Introduction

The testicular milieu is the machinery for the metabolism of testosterone in the male reproductive system.

Purpose

The dysfunction of this highly regenerating system is inevitable in the condition of glucose imbalance as a result of insulin machinery impairment. Therefore, it is imperative to recommend dietary intervention for attenuating the testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress resulting from STZ-induction of diabetes.

Methods

STZ-induced diabetes (65 mg/kg, ip) was treated with QEYEM (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) and quercetin (50 mg/kg/day) for 7weeks. In serum, glucose, testosterone, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were estimated, and in testis, tissues TBARS, sulfhydryl groups, nucleic acids and total protein (TP) levels were estimated. SOD, CAT and GST activities were also determined in testicular cells. Histopathological changes were evaluated in a cross-section of testis.

Results

Testosterone concentration was decreased while pro-inflammatory markers were increased in STZ-assaulted rats. Treatment using QEYEM of diabetic rats corrected assaults and reverse significantly the diabetic conditions. QEYEM-treated groups showed significant inhibition of TBARS levels and elevation of testicular GSH, NP-SH, total protein (TP) and nucleic acids—DNA and RNA levels. The QEYEM administration reversed the inhibited activities of SOD, CAT and GST in testicular cells in diabetic rats. The characterization of the extract carried out through HPLC analytical techniques revealed vitamins A, D and E concentrations of 0.645, 0.012 and 6.3 mg/100 g, respectively.

Conclusion

QEYEM supplementation to STZ-induced diabetic rats for seven (7) consecutive weeks is a potential intervention against testicular damage in adult diabetic rats, probably by decreasing oxidative stress.

     

Protective effect of Cordyceps militaris extract against bisphenol A induced reproductive damage

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) against reproductive damage induced by bisphenol A (BPA). Rats were administrated 200 mg/kg BPA for 4 weeks and treated with C. militaris (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight/day). By the end of the fourth week, the level of oxidative damage, sperm parameters, hormone levels, and histopathological changes were examined. In the group that only received BPA, there was a signi?cant decrease in body weight compared with the normal control (NC) group. C. militaris signi?cantly alleviated the BPA-induced reproductive damage by increasing testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and glutathione (GSH); as well as by reducing serum malondialdehyde (MDA). C. militaris not only obviously enhanced the levels of serum LH and T, but it also improved the sperm count and motility compared to the BPA-treated group. These results suggest that C. militaris could be used as a potential natural substance for preventing BPA induced reproductive damage.

Abbreviations BPA: bisphenol A; SOD: superoxide dismutase; GSH: glutathione; GSH-PX: glutathione peroxidase; MDA: malondialdehyde; ROS: reactive oxygen species; T: testosterone; LH: luteinizing hormone; FSH: follicle-stimulating hormone; UPLC: ultra performance liquid chromatography; RIA: radioimmunoassay; qRT-PCR: quantitative real time PCR; NC: normal control group; BPA: 200 mg/kg BPA administered group; H: 800 mg/kg C. militaris extract administered group; LB, MB, and HB: 200 mg/kg BPA + 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg C. militaris administered group, respectively; VeB: 200 mg/kg BPA + 300 mg/kg Vitamin E administered group; Star: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; 3β-HSD: 3beta-hydroxyl-delta-5-steroid dehydrogenase; CYP11A1: cytochrome P 450 family 11 subfamily A member 1; CYP17A1: cytochrome P 450 family 17 subfamily A member 1